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After profiling offenders with mental retardation and developmental disabilities (MR/DD), this article describes the types of treatment services likely to be effective with such offenders; a featured program for MR/DD offenders is the Alvis House in Columbus, Ohio.

Abstract:

The MR/DD population is typed as having multiple needs that produce many contradictions in behaviors. In working with this offender population, a level system, notably in the form of a token economy, works well. These offenders need to experience, within their capacities, how their behaviors are influencing others, both in a prosocial manner and in an antisocial manner. Alvis House, for example, uses a daily point system that provides consistent and immediate feedback on behaviors and gives staff an opportunity to model responsible behavior for the offenders. Each level reached has more privileges but also more responsibilities. In preparation for leaving Alvis House, residents are weaned off the points, which are replaced with social reinforcers such as praise and positive feedback. Since a high percentage of MR/DD offenders have committed sexual crimes, a counseling program must be used to break the offending pattern and develop healthy sexual behaviors. At Alvis House, staff use Life Horizons I and II to provide sex education. Other treatment targets for this population are anger management, the identification and correction of thinking errors, vocational training, medical treatment, and substance abuse education. Due to the multiple needs of this population, it is essential that all the services be integrated and coordinated according to assessment findings. 3 notes

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